Jakarta - Head of Indonesia Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics, Dwikorita Karnawati, warned that the water crisis caused by climate change which disrupts the hydrological cycle is becoming increasingly evident.
"The water crisis occurs in almost all parts of the world and it is a global crisis that must be anticipated by every country. It doesn't matter if it's a developed or developing country. Therefore, this issue must be a concern for all countries without exception," he said in the FMB9 (Forum Merdeka Barat 9) Dialogue with the theme of Water Conservation, Needs for Our Life which was held online on Monday (20/02).
According to her, climate change will continue if the rate of greenhouse gas emissions cannot be controlled. This situation, therefore, accelerates the process of surface water evaporation. Thus it accelerates the decrease in water availability in a particular area. In the other places, however , it occurs excessive rain precipitation.
The diminishing availability of surface water and groundwater will certainly affect the availability of clean water in various parts of the world. Dwikorita provided the following example that in 2022 the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) stated that drought and water scarcity had struck numerous nations around the globe.
"There is no difference between developed and developing countries. Both are suffering from drought and flood are the same impacts as a result of the fast pace of climate change which is exacerbated by environmental damages," said Dwikorita.
At the same forum, spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, Endra S. Atmawidjaja, assessed that excessive water utilization and environmental destruction could reduce water availability and make it unsafe for use.
"In addition, food security is also related to the availability of adequate clean water. Because lack of access to clean water can affect productivity and food availability,' he said.
To overcome the water crisis and improve food security, an integrated and sustainable approach is needed. The government has developing policies and programs to preserve water resources. Among them, since 2014 the government has initiated the construction of 61 dams which will be finished by 2024.
"Currently 36 have been completed and 25 dams are under construction. It is hoped that all of them will be completed by 2023. This dam serves to increase the water-saving capacity. So that in the rainy season, it doesn't flood, in the dry season it doesn't dry out," explained Endra.
Another effort by Indonesian Government is to encourage the private sector to play an important role in the development of environmentally friendly and efficient technology. In addition, the community can also help preserve water by reducing excessive water usage and supporting water conservation programs.
"In order to preserve water, collaboration and involvement from the entire communities are needed. The government, the private sector, and the community must work together to address the issues of water conservation," he emphasized.
Indonesia to Host the 10th World Water Forum
In the midst of this global water crisis, Indonesia was chosen as the host for the 10th World Water Forum in 2024 with the theme of Water for shared Prosperity. This theme is very relevant to the current conditions, where the availability of clean water is still a challenge for many countries.
In addition to strengthening Indonesia's position in the field of water resources management, the 10th World Water Forum is the largest international meeting in the water sector which discusses the management of water resources involving various stakeholders.
"This forum is inclusive and involves all stakeholders in the water community. Through the 10th World Water Forum, we want to emphasize that water is politics. Water in not only a technical matter but also political. It can be a platform for decision-makers to place water as a top priority," added Endra.
For information, the forum initiated by the World Water Council (WWC) is held every three years and has been taking place regularly since 1997. Through this forum, Indonesia is committed to strengthening the collaboration of various stakeholders in achieving the SDGs targets related to the of clean water and sanitation.
Jakarta, February 20, 2023
National Organizing Committee of the 10th World Water Forum
Email: secretariat@worldwaterforum.org
IG: @worldwaterforum10